Meter with Irda Port

ABSTRACT

A meter is provided of the type used for recording data primarily related to power and/or energy use. The meter includes an IrDA port for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the meter. Preferably, the IrDA port operates according to one or more of the standard IrDA protocols and is preferably mounted on the face of the meter to allow data to be read using a handheld computing device. Upon the detection of the handheld computing device, the IrDA port automatically transmits data to the handheld computing device. The handheld computing device is preferably programmed with application software for processing the read data. The processed data can then be transmitted either wirelessly or non-wirelessly to a computing device, such as a remote server or personal computer, for preparing bills, statistical charts, energy reports, etc.

PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/891,197, filed Aug. 9, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.7,508,319, entitled “Meter with IrDA Port”, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/146,339, filed May 15, 2002,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,709 entitled “Meter with IrDA Port”, whichclaims priority to a U.S. Provisional Application filed by Erran Kaganon Apr. 1, 2002 titled “Meter with IrDA Port” and assigned U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/369,188, the entire contents of allof which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to meters, and more particularly, to a meterhaving an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

IrDA is a standard defined by the IrDA consortium. It specifies a way towirelessly transfer data via infrared radiation. The IrDA specificationsinclude standards for both the physical devices and the protocols theyuse to communicate with each other. The IrDA standards have arised fromthe need to connect various mobile devices together as shown by FIG. 1.

IrDA devices communicate using infrared LEDs. The wavelength used istypically 875 nm. IrDA devices conforming to standards IrDA versions 1.0and 1.1 work over distances up to 1.0 m with a bit error ratio of 10⁻⁹and maximum level of surrounding illumination 10 klux (daylight). Speedsfor IrDA version 1.0 range from 2400 to 115200 kbps. IrDA version 1.1defines speeds 0.576 and 1.152 Mbps, with 1/4 mark-to-space ratio. Atthese speeds, the basic unit (packet) is transmitted synchronously.

A packet consists of two start words followed by target address (IrDAdevices are assigned numbers by the means of IrDA protocol, so they areable to unambiguously identify themselves), data, CRC-16 and a stopword. The whole packet (frame) including CRC-16 is generated by IrDAcompatible chipset.

For 4 Mbps speed, so-called 4 PPM modulation with 1/4 mark-to-spaceratio is used. Two bits are encoded in a pulse within one of the fourpossible positions in time. So, information is carried by the pulseposition, instead of pulse existence as in previous modulations. Forexample, bits “00” would be transmitted as a sequence “1000”(flash-nothing-nothing-nothing), bits “01” would be “0100,” bit “11”would be sent as “0001”.

The main reason for the 4 PPM modulation is the fact, that only half ofthe LED flashes are needed than in previous modulations; so, data can betransferred two times faster. Also, it is easier for the receiver tomaintain the level of surrounding illumination, since a constant numberof pulses are received within a given time.

With bit speed of 4 Mbps, the transmitter flashes at 2 MHz rate.However, unlike 0.576 and 1.152 Mbps, 4 Mbps packets use CRC-32correction code. Most chipsets which can use this modulation can alsogenerate CRC-32 by themselves, and check it when receiving.

An IrDA receiver needs a way to distinguish between the surroundingillumination, noise, and received signal. For this purpose, it isgenerally useful to use the highest possible output power, since higherpower causes a higher current in the receiver which means a bettersignal-to-noise ratio. However, IR-LEDs cannot transmit at full powercontinuously over 100% of the time. So, a pulse width of only 3/16 or1/4 (mark-to-space ratio) of the total time for one bit is generallyused. Hence, the power can now be up to four or five times the possiblemaximum power for LEDs shining continuously. Additionally, thetransmission path does not carry the dc component, thus it is necessaryto use pulse modulation when transmitting.

Several standard protocols used by IrDA devices include IrDA InfraredLink Access Protocol (IrLAP), IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocol(IrLMP); IrDA Transport Protocols (Tiny TP), IrDA Object ExchangeProtocol (IrOBEX), Extensions to IrOBEX for Ir Mobile Communications,and IrTran-P (Infrared Transfer Picture) Specification.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the invention to use IrDA technology towirelessly transmit and receive data to and from a meter, such as apower and/or energy meter for switchboard and billing applications.These meters are generally mounted at a customer location, on anindustrial switchboard panel, and on a utility substation. Data iscollected from these meters by a meter reader who takes the data off themeter and writes the data on paper. The data is then entered into abilling or energy management software application.

Data can also be read by a serial or Ethernet connection. However, manyof the above-mentioned locations do not have this type of capability.Data can also be read by hard-wiring a mobile computing device to themeter. However, this requires the meter reader to physically locate aconnection port and connect wires, thereby making the meter readingprocess time-consuming.

SUMMARY

A meter is provided of the type used for recording data primarilyrelated to power and/or energy use. The meter includes an IrDA port forwirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the meter.Preferably, the IrDA port operates according to one or more of thestandard IrDA protocols, such as IrDA Infrared Link Access Protocol(IrLAP), IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocol (IrLMP), IrDA TransportProtocols (Tiny TP), IrDA Object Exchange Protocol (IrOBEX), Extensionsto IrOBEX for Ir Mobile Communications, and IrTran-P (Infrared TransferPicture) Specification.

Preferably, the IrDA port transmits and receives data according tospeeds defined for the IrDA version 1.0, i.e., 2400 to 115200 kbps, andspeeds defined by the IrDA version 1.1, i.e., speeds of 0.576 and 1.152Mbps, with 1/4 mark-to-space ratio. The IrDA port can also operate at aspeed of 4 Mbps, i.e., 4 PPM modulation with 1/4 mark-to-space ratio.Also, the IrDA port preferably uses a pulse width of only 3/16 or 1/4(mark-to-space ratio) of the total time for one bit.

The IrDA port is preferably mounted on the face of the meter to allowdata to be read using a handheld computing device. The IrDA portpreferably includes components as known in the art, such as atransmitter, a receiver, and a processor storing programmableinstructions.

The IrDA port automatically recognizes the presence of the handheldcomputing device by intermittently transmitting an optical pulse. If theoptical pulse is picked up by the handheld computing device, thehandheld computing device transmits an acknowledgment pulse. The IrDAport then transmits and receives data to and from the handheld computingdevice.

The handheld computing device is preferably programmed with applicationsoftware for processing the read data. The processed data can then betransmitted either wirelessly or non-wirelessly to a computing device,such as a remote server or personal computer, for preparing bills,statistical charts, energy reports, etc. Alternatively, the handheldcomputing device stores the read data for transmission to anothercomputing device, such as a server or a personal computer, at a latertime. Data can also be transmitted from the handheld computing device tothe IrDA port, such as to re-program and configure the meter. Thehandheld computing device is preferably the Palm Pilot™ available from3Com Corporation using the Windows CE™ operating system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the meter with IrDA port of the invention will bedescribed hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing prior art uses of IrDA technology;

FIG. 2 is a front planar view of a meter having an IrDA port inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the components of the IrDA port and aprocessor of the meter; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a meter reading being performed of the meter shown byFIG. 2 using a handheld computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar structural elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 2 a meterconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment and designatedgenerally by reference numeral 10. The meter 10 is preferably of thetype for measuring power and/or energy use, such as an electric currentmeter. However, other types of meters, such as gas, oil, pressure, andwater measuring meters, are contemplated within the scope of theinvention.

The meter 10 includes an IrDA port 12 having components as known in theart for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the meter10. The meter 10 also includes other components, such as a mechanical ordigital dial 14 for noting, for example, kilowatt hours, a glass housing16, a rotating wheel 18 below the dial 14, and a power line 20 forpowering the meter 10.

Preferably, the IrDA port 12 operates according to one or more of thestandard IrDA protocols, such as IrDA Infrared Link Access Protocol(IrLAP), IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocol (IrLMP), IrDA TransportProtocols (Tiny TP), IrDA Object Exchange Protocol (IrOBEX), Extensionsto IrOBEX for Ir Mobile Communications, and IrTran-P (Infrared TransferPicture) Specification.

The IrDA port 12 preferably transmits and receives data according tospeeds defined for the IrDA version 1.0, i.e., 2400 to 115200 kbps, andspeeds defined by the IrDA version 1.1, i.e., speeds of 0.576 and 1.152Mbps, with 1/4 mark-to-space ratio. The IrDA port 12 can also operate ata speed of 4 Mbps, i.e., 4 PPM modulation with 1/4 mark-to-space ratio.Also, the IrDA port 12 preferably uses a pulse width of only 3/16 or 1/4(mark-to-space ratio) of the total time for one bit.

As shown by FIG. 2, the IrDA port 12 is preferably mounted on the faceof the meter 10 to allow data to be read using a handheld computingdevice 30 (see FIG. 4). As noted above and as shown by FIG. 3, the IrDAport 12 preferably includes components as known in the art, such as atransmitter 32, a receiver 33, and a processor 34 storing programmableinstructions for performing the various functions of the IrDA port 12.The processor 34 of the IrDA port 12 is in operative communication witha processor 38 of the meter 10 for transmitting data to the processor 34of the IrDA port 12 via at least one or more buses 40. The IrDA port 12is of the type available from, for example, Hewlett-Packard, Inc., TexasInstruments, Inc., and National Semiconductor, Inc.

The IrDA port 12 automatically recognizes the presence of the handheldcomputing device 30 by intermittently transmitting an optical pulse. Ifthe optical pulse is picked up by the handheld computing device 30, thehandheld computing device 30 transmits an acknowledgment pulse. The IrDAport 12 then transmits and receives data to and from the handheldcomputing device 30. The IrDA port 12 can also manually detect thehandheld computing device 30 by manually transmitting an optical pulsefrom the handheld computing device 30 to the IrDA port 12.

Upon the automatic or manual detection of the handheld computing device30, the transmitter 32 of the IrDA port 12 automatically transmits datato the handheld computing device 30. The data preferably includes thename and address of the customer, the customer's account number, theamount of energy, current, etc. consumed over a given time period, etc.

For security purposes, it is contemplated for the receiver 33 of theIrDA port 12 to receive a key from the handheld computing device 30 viaa transmission packet prior to the transmitter 32 of the IrDA port 12transmitting data to the handheld computing device 30. If the key doesnot match a stored key stored within the processor 34 of the IrDA port12, the transmitter 32 of the IrDA port 12 does not transmit data to thehandheld computing device 30.

The handheld computing device 30 is preferably programmed withapplication software for processing the read data and performing otherfunctions, such as transmitting the security key and automaticallydetecting the handheld computing device 30. Processed data can then betransmitted either wirelessly or non-wirelessly to a computing device,such as a remote server or personal computer, for preparing bills,statistical charts, energy reports, etc. Alternatively, the handheldcomputing 30 device stores the read data for transmission to anothercomputing device, such as a server or a personal computer, at a latertime.

Data can also be transmitted from the handheld computing device 30 tothe IrDA port 12 via one or more of the same IrDA protocols used fortransmitting data from the IrDA port 12. The data transmitted to theIrDA port 12 can be used to re-program and configure the meter 10. Thehandheld computing device 30 is preferably the Palm Pilot™ availablefrom 3Com Corporation using the Windows CE™ operating system.

Although the subject apparatus has been described with respect topreferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those havingordinary skill in the art to which it appertains that changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit orscope of the subject apparatus as defined by the appended claims.

1. A meter for measuring data, the meter comprising: at least oneprocessor for processing at least one measurement data recorded by themeter and converting the processed data to at least one IrDA protocol;and an optical port disposed on a face of the meter for at leastwirelessly transmitting the converted data to an optical port of acomputing device located at a predetermined distance away from theoptical port of the meter.
 2. The meter according to claim 1, whereinthe meter is a power meter and the at least one measurement dataindicates the amount of power or energy consumed.
 3. The meter accordingto claim 1, wherein the optical port of the meter includes a transmitterfor transmitting the converted data via an optical pulse.
 4. The meteraccording to claim 3, wherein the optical port of the meter includes areceiver for receiving configuration data via an optical pulse.
 5. Themeter according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted data includes aname, an address, and an account number corresponding to a customer, andan amount of energy consumed over a given time period.
 6. The meteraccording to claim 1, wherein the meter is selected from the groupconsisting of power, gas, oil, pressure, and water measuring meters. 7.The meter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one IrDA protocolis selected from the group consisting of IrDA Infrared Link AccessProtocol (IrLAP), IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocol (IrLMP), IrDATransport Protocols (Tiny TP), IrDA Object Exchange Protocol (IrOBEX),Extensions to IrOBEX for Ir Mobile Communications, and IrTran-P(Infrared Transfer Picture) Specification.
 8. The meter according toclaim 1, wherein the optical port of the meter comprises: means forintermittently transmitting an optical pulse for detecting the computingdevice; and means for automatically transmitting the data upon thedetection of the computing device.
 9. The meter according to claim 1,further comprising means for determining whether to wirelessly transmitdata via the optical port of the meter.
 10. The meter according to claim9, wherein the means for determining whether to wirelessly transmit dataincludes: means for wirelessly receiving a key via the optical port ofthe meter; means for determining if the key matches a key stores withina memory of the meter; and means for actuating transmission of the datavia the optical port of the meter if the received key matches the storedkey.
 11. The meter according to claim 1, wherein the IrDA port comprisesmeans for receiving data to re-program and configure the meter.
 12. Apower meter for measuring power consumed, the power meter comprising: anIrDA port for wirelessly transmitting data to an optical port of acomputing device located at a predetermined distance away from the IrDAport, wherein the power meter comprises a processing assembly forprocessing the measured power and converting the measured power to atleast one IrDA protocol.
 13. The power meter according to claim 12,wherein the transmitted data includes an amount of power consumed, and aname, an address, and an account number corresponding to a customer. 14.The power meter according to claim 12, wherein the at least one IrDAprotocol is selected from the group consisting of IrDA Infrared LinkAccess Protocol (IrLAP), IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocol (IrLMP),IrDA Transport Protocols (Tiny TP), IrDA Object Exchange Protocol(IrOBEX), Extensions to IrOBEX for Ir Mobile Communications, andIrTran-P (Infrared Transfer Picture) Specification.
 15. The power meteraccording to claim 12, wherein the IrDA port comprises: means forintermittently transmitting an optical pulse for detecting a computingdevice; and means for automatically transmitting the data upon thedetection of the computing device.
 16. The power meter according toclaim 12, further comprising means for determining whether to wirelesslytransmit data via the IrDA port.
 17. The power meter according to claim16, wherein the means for determining whether to wirelessly transmitdata includes: means for wirelessly receiving a key via the IrDA port;means for determining if the key matches a key stores within a memory ofthe meter; and means for actuating transmission of the data via the IrDAport if the received key matches the stored key.
 18. The power meteraccording to claim 12, wherein the IrDA port comprises means forreceiving data to re-program and configure the power meter.
 19. A meterfor measuring data, the meter comprising: a first optical port for atleast wirelessly transmitting data to a second optical port of acomputing device located at a predetermined distance away from the firstoptical port, wherein the meter includes at least one processor forprocessing at least one measurement data and converting the processeddata to at least one transmission protocol.
 20. An electrical panelmeter for measuring data, the electrical panel meter comprising: atleast one processor for processing at least one measurement datarecorded by the electrical panel meter and converting the processed datato at least one wireless protocol; and a wireless port disposed on thehousing of the electrical panel meter for at least wirelesslytransmitting the converted data to a receiving port of a computingdevice located at a predetermined distance away from the wireless portof the electrical panel meter.
 21. The electrical panel meter accordingto claim 20, wherein the wireless port is an optical port.
 22. Theelectrical panel meter according to claim 20, further comprising a selfenclosed housing with internal connection for voltage and currentinputs.
 23. The electrical panel meter according to claim 22, whereinthe wireless port is an optical port.
 24. An electrical sub-meter formeasuring data at a point of consumption in a utility substation, theelectrical sub-meter comprising: at least one processor for processingat least one measurement data recorded by the electrical sub-meter andconverting the processed data to at least one wireless protocol; and awireless port disposed on the housing of the electrical sub-meter for atleast wirelessly transmitting the converted data to a receiving port ofa computing device located at a predetermined distance away from thewireless port of the electrical sub-meter.
 25. A utility billing systemcomprising: at least one meter including at least one processor forprocessing at least one measurement data recorded by the meter andconverting the processed data to at least one IrDA protocol and anoptical port disposed on a face of the meter for at least wirelesslytransmitting the converted data to an optical port of a computing devicelocated at a predetermined distance away from the optical port of themeter; and the computing device configured for receiving and storing theconverted data of the at least one meter and for preparing a utilitybill for each of the at least one meter based on the received data. 26.The system according to claim 25, wherein the at least one meter is apower meter and the at least one measurement indicates the amount ofpower or energy consumed.
 27. The system according to claim 25, whereinthe data transmitted from the at least one meter includes a name, anaddress, and an account number corresponding to a customer, and anamount of energy consumed over a given time period.
 28. The systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the at least one meter is selected fromthe group consisting of power, gas, oil, pressure, and water measuringmeters.
 29. The system according to claim 25, wherein the at least oneIrDA protocol is selected from the group consisting of IrDA InfraredLink Access Protocol (IrLAP), IrDA Infrared Link Management Protocol(IrLMP), IrDA Transport Protocols (Tiny TP), IrDA Object ExchangeProtocol (IrOBEX), Extensions to IrOBEX for Ir Mobile Communications,and IrTran-P (Infrared Transfer Picture) Specification.
 30. The systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the optical port of the at least onemeter comprises: means for intermittently transmitting an optical pulsefor detecting a handheld device; and means for automaticallytransmitting the data upon the detection of the handheld device.
 31. Thesystem according to claim 25, further comprising means for determiningwhether to wirelessly transmit data via the optical port of the at leastone meter.
 32. The system according to claim 25, wherein the means fordetermining whether to wirelessly transmit data includes: means forwirelessly receiving a key via the optical port of the at least onemeter; means for determining if the key matches a key stores within amemory of the at least one meter; and means for actuating transmissionof the data via the optical port of the at least one meter if thereceived key matches the stored key.
 33. The system according to claim25, wherein the computing device is a handheld device.
 34. The systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the computing device is Windows™operating system based.
 35. The system according to claim 25, whereinthe computing device is a remote server.